Cancer treatment is a really tough journey. On the one hand, these treatments are essential to save lives. But on the other hand, the side effects that come with treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can be very difficult to bear. There are times when things like dry mouth, nausea , vomiting , and extreme fatigue can be very frustrating. So, at a time like this, you must be thinking, “Isn’t it better to do something natural and reduce these difficulties instead of taking these pills?”
When you think of these natural remedies, you might think of traditional Chinese medicine, herbs, or vitamins. But that's not all. Things like massage and acupuncture also fall into this category. Doctors commonly refer to these as CAM . That stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine . Simply put, these are complementary and alternative treatments that are used in addition to your main cancer treatment, as a way to help it.
But the question is, do these really work? Some methods may help relieve your side effects. But some things may also interfere with your cancer treatment.
So if you're thinking about trying something like this, you should definitely talk to your oncologist or treating doctor first.
Herbs and Supplements
No matter how much "health-promoting" vitamins and supplements are advertised on packages, cancer specialists say it's best to avoid using most of these while undergoing cancer treatment.
Be especially careful about these things:
- St. John's wort: This is a herb commonly used for conditions like depression . However, it may reduce the effectiveness of some anticancer drugs.
- Antioxidants: Taking high doses of supplements like vitamin E , vitamin C, selenium, and beta-carotene can interfere with the success of your chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
However, there are other options that may help you. But remember, you should always check with your doctor before using any of these to make sure they are safe and suitable for you. See the table below.
| Natural material | What can help? | Things to pay attention to |
|---|---|---|
| Ginger | It can help control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. | This can thin the blood, so avoid taking ginger (especially pills/capsules) before any surgery. |
| Zinc | It can help prevent loss of taste in food caused by radiation and chemotherapy. | Overdose can cause other problems. Use only under medical advice. |
| Astragalus | It can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy (nausea, vomiting) in people with colorectal cancer. | It can interfere with the effectiveness of some medications, so don't take them without informing your doctor. |
| Glutamine | It can help reduce side effects such as numbness in the limbs, pain (peripheral neuropathy), and mouth sores. | Research on this is still ongoing, so confirmed results are few. |
| Ginseng | Research has found that it helps reduce cancer-related fatigue caused by cancer treatment. | High doses may be required. Medical advice is essential. |
| Guarana | A natural stimulant derived from a plant found in the Amazon rainforest. It may help reduce fatigue caused by chemotherapy (especially in breast cancer patients). | Being a natural stimulant, it can affect things like heart rate and blood pressure. |
Let's also look at acupuncture.
This is a traditional Chinese medicine method. It involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body. They believe that this improves the body's energy flow. According to Western science, these needles stimulate the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals .
Although acupuncture is most commonly used for pain, it is also said to provide relief from symptoms caused by cancer treatment, such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety and hot flashes
If you want to try something like this, talk to your doctor first. He or she can tell you if it's a good idea for your health. He or she may also be able to refer you to an acupuncturist who is trained to work with cancer patients.
Other ways to relieve side effects
It's common to experience anxiety, stress, pain, and nausea during cancer treatment. Research shows that these methods can provide some relief without the use of medication.
Massage
A study of 1,290 cancer patients found that those who received massage therapy experienced a 50% reduction in pain, anxiety, fatigue, and nausea. However, it should only be performed by a qualified therapist, depending on the area being treated and the type of cancer.
Hypnosis
A trained professional will guide you into a deep state of concentration, allowing you to take your mind off your symptoms and focus on other things. This can help relieve anxiety, pain, stress, and even nausea.
Guided Imagery
Imagine that you are on a beautiful, quiet mountaintop… A gentle breeze blows… You hear the birds chirping… When you think about it like that, you feel very relaxed, don't you? That's what this is all about. It guides you to think about a place or something that makes you feel happy and relaxed. One study found that this method improved the quality of life of women with breast cancer.
Aromatherapy
This involves warming essential oils to scent a room, adding them to bath water, or using them for massage. Scents like lavender and peppermint can help reduce nausea, pain, and stress.
So what should I choose? How do I talk to the doctor?
This is the most important part. Many people skip this part. Please don't. Your doctor can protect you from things that could harm you.
Start the story like this:
- First, ask directly: "Doctor, are there any other ways to relieve these side effects without medication?"
- Talk about options: If your doctor says something you're thinking about trying might interfere with your cancer treatment, ask, "So what other options are there for me?"
- Make a list: Make a list of everything you take—even a simple multivitamin—and give it to your doctor. “Doctor, will any of these affect my treatment?” Ask. (Some vitamins increase the risk of certain types of cancer.)
- Ask for help: You can also ask your doctor to help you identify which products are “natural” but actually useless and have false advertising.
Remember, the word “natural” does not mean “safe.” Some plants in the wild are natural, but they are poisonous, right? That's how it is.
Take-Home Message
- Before trying any natural or alternative treatment to relieve the side effects of cancer treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor.
- “Natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Some things can interfere with your main treatment.
- Avoid taking things like St. John's Wort and high-dose antioxidant vitamin pills during cancer treatment.
- Discuss non-drug methods such as massage, hypnosis, and aromatherapy with your doctor, and only obtain them from a qualified professional.
- It is very important to give your doctor a complete list of all vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking.
Cancer, cancer treatment, side effects, chemotherapy, radiation, natural treatments, CAM, acupuncture, massage, cancer side effects, chemotherapy, radiation
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